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Tens of thousands of people poured into Victoria Park tonight (October 6) to take part in the large-scale Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival. Showcasing a series of entertaining programmes and spectacular lanterns, the carnival was alive with excitement, bringing joy and fun to the public.
Among the attractions were traditional Mongolian dance, vocals and instruments presented by the Inner Mongolia University Arts Academy Arts Troupe, displaying the unique culture of Mongolia. The group will also perform in the lantern carnival at Sha Tin Park tomorrow.
Other programmes were traditional stage arts show and excerpts of Cantonese opera, nostalgic games, lantern quiz, fortune-telling.
To add lustre to the occasion, spectacular lanterns were displayed and filled the Park with festive atmosphere. "Tang - The Era of Prosperity" showcasing the most prosperous era of China was a popular spot for photo-taking.
Carnival-goers enjoyed the lantern display portraits of "The Four Great Poets" including Li Bai, Du Fu, Wang Wei and Li He; the fan-shaped lanterns with the era's popular poetry; two fresco paintings, located on the football fences, displaying fairies dancing and playing music. Together with Hong Kong Tourism Board's Lantern Wonderland and Wishing Lantern Trail, they will be on display until October 8.
Two more lantern carnivals will be held tomorrow (October 7). Admission is free. Details are as follows:
1. New Territories East Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival
October 7 (Saturday), 7.30pm-10.30pm
Sha Tin Park, Sha Tin Town Hall Plaza and Podium
Programmes: Mongolian music and dance, traditional stage arts show and excerpts of Cantonese opera, nostalgic games, lantern quiz, fortune-telling and lantern display
2. New Territories West Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival
October 7 (Saturday), 7.30pm-10.30pm
Sha Tsui Road Playground, Tsuen Wan
Programmes: Chinese Instrumental Concert and Dance, Golden oldies, traditional stage arts show,excerpts of Cantonese opera, Chinese puppet show, lantern quiz, fortune-telling and lantern display
People can also enjoy the spectacular lantern displays "Radiant Homeland" at Kowloon Park until October 30; and "Chang'er Flies to the Moon" at West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade until Sunday (October 8).
The display at Kowloon Park, designed in an unconventional style, depicts the stories of the strenuous Hong Kong people who transformed their homeland from a fishing village to an Asia's World City - the "Pearl of the Orient"; while the display of colourful lanterns at West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade depicts the fabulous Chinese legend of "Chang'er Flies to the Moon".
All entries including the winning designs of the 2006 Mid-Autumn Lantern Design Competition, are now on display at the Exhibition Hall, 1/F, Low Block, Hong Kong City Hall. The exhibition is open to public until October 13.
People are urged to avoid littering and wax-burning while celebrating the festival.
Ends/Friday, October 6, 2006
Issued at HKT 21:01
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